JP3118153B2 - Liquid ejecting apparatus and printing system using the same - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, and in particular, uses a cloth as a recording medium (print medium) and discharges a liquid (for example, ink) onto the cloth to print it. The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus using an ink jet print head for performing the operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink jet recording method uses an output means of an information processing system, for example, a printer as an output terminal such as a copying machine, a facsimile, an electronic typewriter, a word processor, a workstation, or a personal computer, a host computer, an optical disk device. It is used as a recording method of a handy or portable printer provided in a video device or the like. This ink jet recording method discharges ink as small droplets from nozzles to record characters, figures, and the like, and has excellent advantages as means for outputting high-definition images and high-speed recording. Further, a recording apparatus to which the method is applied (hereinafter also referred to as an ink jet recording apparatus) is a non-impact type recording apparatus, which has low noise and that color images can be easily recorded by using multicolor inks. In addition, it has features such as easy downsizing of the apparatus body and high density of images, and has been rapidly spreading in recent years.
Here, the term “recording” refers to the application of ink to all ink supports to which ink is applied, such as cloth, thread, paper, and sheet material (printing, printing,
Image formation, printing, dyeing, etc.). Therefore, the ink jet recording method is applicable not only in the field of information processing but also in a wide range of industrial fields such as an apparel industry using an ink support to which ink is applied, such as cloth, thread, paper, and sheet material.

For example, a liquid ejecting apparatus (printing apparatus) using an ink jet system has a high degree of freedom of an image to be printed, mainly because it does not require an original plate of an image to be printed unlike screen printing. It has advantages such as low overall cost in printing.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H5-212851 discloses a conventional example of a textile printing apparatus using an ink jet system. In this printing apparatus, as is apparent from the description of FIG. 2 in particular, the ink is ejected from a nozzle head onto a fabric conveyed in a vertical direction to perform printing. That is, ink is ejected from the nozzle head in the horizontal direction. Further, in a printing section where the ink is ejected, a printing unit having a nozzle head and a transport mechanism having an endless belt are arranged to face each other at a position sandwiching the fabric.

Further, in the above-described textile printing apparatus, the printing unit is configured to be slidable in the horizontal direction, so that it is generally possible to adjust the distance from the cloth suspension and to move the printing unit when exchanging the endless belt. It is.

[0006] Even in the ink-jet type textile printing apparatus described above, the improvement of the printing speed is inevitably required as in the general example of the printing apparatus.

In order to improve the printing speed,
In a configuration in which printing is performed on a relatively long continuous fabric such as printing, increasing the number of ink ejection ports of the inkjet head, that is, increasing the length of the inkjet head is the most direct realization method. . More specifically, by increasing the number of ejection ports arranged in the transport direction of a non-recording medium such as a cloth (by increasing the length of the inkjet in the transport direction), one scan of this head can be performed. The width of one printed line increases,
If the general feed amount is increased accordingly, the printing speed can be improved.

However, when the length of the ink jet head is increased, in the case of the printing apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, the arrangement of the discharge ports in the ink jet head is a vertical arrangement, and the head between each discharge port is increased. The difference is relatively large. Such a head difference between the discharge ports is expressed as a difference in the discharge amount, which may cause a decrease in print quality.

On the other hand, there is known a so-called downward head structure for discharging ink vertically downward, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-31905. According to this, since the discharge ports are arranged in the horizontal direction, a water head difference between the discharge ports does not occur in principle, and the above problem can be solved.

[0010] Further, as an effect of using such a downward head, a recovery process such as ink suction can be uniformly performed in all the ejection ports in relation to the head difference as described above.
It is also possible to prevent water droplets or the like adhering to the discharge port surface from entering the sex outlet.

However, when the downward head is used as it is in a printing apparatus, various problems are caused due to the configuration specific to this apparatus.

In a conventional printing apparatus, the concentration of the dye in the ink is higher than that in a normal image forming apparatus, and the dye tends to precipitate due to evaporation of water in the ink. The head recovery means used is taken.

[0013] As a head recovery means, after wiping means (cleaning blade) made of a porous body is washed with a falling washing liquid (washing water), the washing water in the blade is sucked by a suction pump, and then the ink jet head is washed. Conventionally, a method of preventing ink deposition by wiping the surface has been proposed.

However, when the ink jet head is configured to face downward, the cleaning blade is arranged so that the longitudinal direction is horizontal, so that it is impossible to clean the cleaning blade with the cleaning liquid falling from the end nozzle. Further, it has been difficult to uniformly clean the entire area with the lengthening of the blade due to the bias of the cleaning liquid. For this reason, complication of the configuration was inevitable, such as supplying cleaning water from a plurality of nozzles in the longitudinal direction of the blade or moving the cleaning water nozzle along the blade. Further, the amount of washing water to be used increases in proportion to the lengthening of the ink jet head and the cleaning blade, which has caused a rise in running cost.

In order to solve the above problems, a wiping means for wiping a liquid jet surface of a liquid jet recording head, and a cleaning tank storing a cleaning liquid for cleaning at least a wiping portion of the wiping means. Moving means for moving the wiping means, a first position for wiping the wiping means by the wiping unit by the outer moving means, and a second position for cleaning at least the wiping unit with the cleaning liquid.
Which can be freely moved between the positions (1) and (2).

In this case, by immersing the wiping portion in the cleaning liquid, stable cleaning without partial cleaning unevenness can be performed even if the wiping portion is a long blade member.

[0017]

Among the above-mentioned prior arts, when the arrangement of the discharge ports is vertical, there is a problem that the print quality may be deteriorated.

In the case of using a downward recording head and further providing a head recovery means, there is a problem that the configuration becomes complicated and the running cost increases.

In the case where the cleaning of the wiping member of the wiping means is immersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank and the liquid jet head is wiped after the cleaning, the above-mentioned problem is solved, but the wiping means wipes the liquid jet head. There is only a first position and a second position for cleaning the wiping unit, and there is a problem that it is difficult to move the wiping unit to the first position at an optimal timing.

In particular, in an apparatus for ejecting colored liquid using two or more (plural) liquid ejecting heads, wiping a number of liquid ejecting heads with one wiping member increases the time required for wiping. In addition, the time required for the liquid ejecting operation is reduced, and the cleaning ability is limited with one wiping member, and only a few heads can be cleaned by one cleaning. Therefore, it is necessary to divide each liquid ejecting head into several blocks and perform the wiping operation for each block. However, if the wiping timing for each block is not properly achieved,
A liquid jet head that is not wiped will result.

Further, when the wiping means is moved by a rotating operation, the cleaning liquid may be dehydrated and scattered from the wiping member immersed in the cleaning liquid due to the centrifugal force generated when the wiping means is rotated. Naturally, it is conceivable to cover with a cover or the like for preventing scattering. However, the member is added unnecessarily, which increases the cost.

Further, the wiping member performs wiping by setting a fixed amount of intrusion into the surface of the liquid ejecting head, but if the wiping timing is early, the wiping member may hit the edge of the holder member of the liquid ejecting head. In addition, there is a problem that the wear of the wiping member becomes remarkable and the life is shortened.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and in particular, has been made to simplify the cleaning of a long cleaning blade related to recovery of an ink jet head, including a downward printing method. Provided is a printing system that uses a liquid jet recording apparatus and an external device that can be reliably performed by the configuration as a printing unit, further reduces the amount of cleaning liquid used for a cleaning blade, and performs cleaning stably. In addition, it is another object of the present invention to stably wipe the wiping member with the liquid ejecting head and to clean the liquid ejecting head satisfactorily.

[0024]

According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a predetermined liquid to a recording medium by using a liquid ejecting head, for wiping a liquid ejecting surface of the liquid ejecting head. A wiping unit having a wiping member, a detecting unit for detecting whether the liquid ejecting head and the wiping unit are in a predetermined positional relationship, and a cleaning liquid for cleaning at least the wiping member of the wiping unit. A cleaning unit having a cleaning tank, and a unit for moving the wiping unit, wherein the moving unit includes a first position for wiping the liquid jet head with the wiping member by the wiping member; A second position at which the wiping member is cleaned by the cleaning liquid and a third position at which the wiping unit is temporarily stopped are set, and the detecting unit detects that the liquid ejecting head is in contact with the wiping unit. Characterized in that moving it said wiping means and detects that it is in constant positional relationship to the first position from the third position.

In this case, the third position where the moving means temporarily stops the wiping means may be a position closer to the liquid ejecting head than the second position.

Further, two or more liquid ejecting heads are provided, two or more wiping blocks composed of adjacent liquid ejecting heads are set, and the wiping means is provided for each of the wiping blocks. It may be provided.

Further, a cleaning liquid replenishing means for replenishing the cleaning tank with the cleaning liquid may be provided.

In addition, a cleaning liquid discharging means for discharging the cleaning liquid in an amount exceeding the predetermined amount to the outside of the liquid ejecting apparatus when the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning tank exceeds a predetermined amount may be provided. Good.

Further, the wiping portion may be formed of a flexible member.

The plastic member may be a polymer porous body of a type that does not change its volume even when absorbing the liquid, preferably a foamed formal resin, and a heat-sinterable polymer porous body, preferably Are low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, high molecular weight polyethylene, composite polyethylene, polypropylene, polymethyl methacrylate,
A heat-sintered body made of polystyrene, acrylonitrile copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, fluororesin, or phenol resin may be used.

Further, the cleaning means may include a liquid suction means for sucking a liquid from the wiping means.

Further, the suction force of the liquid suction means is large enough to discharge the liquid from the liquid ejection port of the liquid ejection head via the wiping means when the wiping unit wipes the liquid ejection surface. You may.

Further, the wiping means is pivotally supported, and the moving means is configured to move the pivoted wiping means by rotating the wiping means. At the same time when the means is moved from the second position to the third position, the liquid suction operation is performed, and the suction force of the liquid suction means is increased in the centrifugal direction received by the wiping member with the rotation of the wiping means. It may be substantially greater than the force.

The liquid ejecting head is capable of reciprocating with respect to a medium onto which the liquid is ejected, and the wiping means is configured to move the liquid ejecting surface of the liquid ejecting head when the liquid ejecting head moves forward. The liquid ejecting head may include a first wiping surface to be wiped and a second wiping surface to wipe the liquid ejecting surface of the liquid ejecting head when the liquid ejecting head moves backward.

Further, the liquid jet head may be a head for color recording.

Further, the liquid ejecting head may be an ink jet recording head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging the liquid.

In this case, as the energy generating means for performing the ejection, an ink jet recording head having a thermal energy converter for generating thermal energy to be applied to the liquid may be used.

[0038] The ink jet recording head may cause a state change in the liquid by thermal energy applied by the thermal energy converter, and discharge the liquid from a discharge port based on the state change. .

In any of the above cases, the recording medium may be a fabric.

A printing system according to the present invention is characterized in that any one of the above-described liquid ejecting apparatuses is used as printing means, and control means for controlling the printing means is provided.

[0041]

By dipping the wiping part in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank, stable cleaning without partial cleaning unevenness can be performed even if the wiping part is a long blade member. In addition, since a certain amount of cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning tank,
The amount of the cleaning liquid used is significantly reduced as compared with a method in which the cleaning liquid is flowed directly to the wiping unit. In addition, the cleaning liquid is periodically replenished, and excess cleaning water can be automatically discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the machine. Regardless, it is simply kept constant. By applying the inkjet recording method, not only high-definition print output and high-speed printing can be achieved, but also noise is reduced, and precise color printing is facilitated by using multi-color inks. It is also possible to reduce the size of the device body.

In the present invention, the moving means for moving the wiping means includes a first position for wiping the liquid jet head and a second position for cleaning the wiping member, and a third position for temporarily stopping the wiping member. Let each of you do the move. The provision of the stop position makes it easier to move the wiping means to the first position. This effect becomes more remarkable when the third position is a process of moving from the second position to the first position.

In the present invention, a plurality of heads form a block, and each block is wiped by one wiping unit. Therefore, for each block, each wiping unit is wiped at the third position. And the cleaning effect of each block becomes uniform.

Further, in the present invention, the wiping means is pivotally supported, is rotated about the pivoted portion, moves from the cleaning position to the stop position, and the liquid suction means is operated. Since the cleaning liquid in the member is substantially larger than the centrifugal force received by the cleaning liquid, the suction force is more dominant than the centrifugal force received by the cleaning liquid contained in the wiping member due to the rotation operation, and dehydration during the rotation operation is reduced. Can be suppressed.

[0045]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment (1) Overall Configuration of Apparatus FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus as an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a cloth as a recording medium (print medium), which is unwound according to the rotation of the unwind roller 11 and faces the printer unit 1000 via the intermediate rollers 13 and 15. After being transported in a substantially horizontal direction by a transport unit 100 provided at a portion where the toner is to be transferred, it is taken up by a take-up roller 21 via a feed roller 17 and an intermediate roller 19.

The transport section 100 generally includes transport rollers 110 and 120 provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the printer section 1000 in the transport direction of the cloth 1, and an endless belt-shaped transport belt wound between the rollers. 130, and a pair of platen rollers 140 provided to extend the transport belt 130 with an appropriate tension within a predetermined range so as to regulate the printing surface of the fabric flat when printing by the printer unit 1000, and to improve flatness. ing. In this embodiment, the transport belt 130 is made of a metal as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H5-212851, and the surface thereof is partially enlarged in FIG. An adhesive layer (sheet) 133 is provided. Then, the fabric 1 is adhered to the transport belt 130 by the adhesive layer 133 by the attaching roller 150, and the flatness at the time of printing is secured.

The printing agent is applied to the cloth 1 conveyed in such a state where the flatness is ensured by the printer unit 1000 in the area between the platen rollers 140, and the conveyance belt 130 or the adhesive is The film is peeled off from the layer 133 and is wound up by the winding roller 21, and a drying process is performed by the drying heater 600 on the way. In addition, as the drying heater 600, an appropriate heater such as a heater that blows warm air to the cloth 1 or a heater that irradiates infrared rays can be used.

(2) Configuration of Printer Section FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a transport system of the printer section 1000 and the cloth 1, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a scanning system of the carriage. Printer unit 1 using FIG.
000 will be described.

First, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printer unit 1000 is scanned in a direction different from the transport direction (sub-scanning direction) F of the cloth 1, for example, in the width direction S of the cloth 1 orthogonal to the transport direction F. It has a carriage 1010. 1
Reference numeral 020 denotes a support rail extending in the S direction (main scanning direction), and a slider 10 fixed to the carriage 1010.
12 is supported, and a slide rail 1022 for guiding is supported. Reference numeral 1030 denotes a motor serving as a drive source for causing the carriage 1010 to perform main scanning. The driving force is transmitted to the carriage 1010 via a belt 1032 to which the carriage 1010 is fixed and other appropriate transmission mechanisms.

The carriage 1010 moves the print head 1100 having a large number of printing agent applying elements in a predetermined direction (the transport direction F in the present embodiment) in a direction different from the predetermined direction (the main scanning direction in the present embodiment). S), a plurality of print heads 1100 are held in the transport direction in this embodiment. Print head 110 of each stage
A plurality of 0s are provided corresponding to printing agents having different colors, thereby enabling color printing. The color used for the printing agent and the number of print heads can be appropriately selected according to the image or the like to be formed on the fabric 1. For example, the three primary colors of printing are yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). ) Or black (Bk). Alternatively, or in addition to these, it is possible to use a special color (metallic color such as gold or silver, vivid red or blue, etc.) which cannot be expressed or is difficult with the three primary colors. Alternatively, even in the case of the same color, a plurality of printing agents may be used according to the density.

In this embodiment, a plurality of print heads 1100 arranged in the main scanning direction S are provided in two stages in the transport direction F as shown in FIG. The color, the number, and the order of the printing agents used by the print heads in each stage are as follows:
It may be the same or different for each stage, depending on the image or the like to be printed. Further, it is also possible to print again the area printed by the main scan of the one-stage print head by the next-stage print head (or to perform complementary thinned-out printing by the respective-stage print heads). However, high-speed printing may be performed by sharing the printing area. Further, the number of print head stages is not limited to two, but may be one or three or more.

In this embodiment, the print head 11
As 00, an ink jet head, for example, a bubble jet head proposed by Canon Inc., which has a heating element that generates heat energy that causes film boiling of the ink as energy used for discharging the ink is used. Then, with respect to the fabric 1 which is conveyed in a substantially horizontal direction by the conveyance unit 100, the ink ejection ports as the printing agent applying element are used in a state where the ink ejection ports face downward, so that the head difference between each ejection port is eliminated. The conditions are made uniform so that a good image can be formed, and a uniform recovery process can be performed on all the ejection openings.

In FIG. 3, capping means 1220
In the non-printing operation, the abutment is performed on the discharge port surface of each print head 1100 to suppress the drying and the intrusion of foreign matter, or to remove the foreign matter. Specifically, during a non-printing operation, the print head 1100 moves to a position facing the capping unit 1220. And
The capping unit 1220 is driven in the cap direction by the driving unit 1210, and is configured to perform capping by pressing an elastic member or the like against the discharge port surface.

The clogging prevention means 1231 receives the discharged ink when the print head 1100 performs a discharge operation (preliminary discharge operation) for equalizing discharge conditions by ink refresh. The clogging prevention means 1231 is provided at a portion facing the print head outside the print area by the print head, and a liquid receiving member for absorbing and receiving the pre-discharged ink is provided between the capping means 1220 and the print area and between the capping means 1220 and the print area. It is located on the opposite side. Note that a liquid holding member is provided in the liquid receiving member, and a sponge-like porous member or the like is used as a material thereof.

Further, a wiping means (wiping blade) 70 capable of rubbing the discharge port surface of the print head 1100 is disposed between the capping means 1220 and the print area, and adhered to the discharge port surface by the rubbing. We try to wipe off water drops and dust.

Further, the printer unit 1000 is provided with a sensor 91 for detecting that the carriage 1010 has moved to the wiping position.
0 is in a predetermined positional relationship.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a means for cleaning the wiping blade 70.

The wiping blade 70 is made of a flexible porous body. As a material of the wiping blade 70, a polymer porous body can be used. In the case of using a polymer porous body, a type in which the volume change due to absorption of the ink mist is not remarkable, such as a polymer foam, and the volume does not change even when the ink is absorbed is preferable. For example, a foamed formal resin type can be suitably used.

Further, as the wiping blade used here, a heat-sintering type polymer porous body can also be used. For example, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, high molecular weight polyethylene, composite polyethylene, polypropylene, poly Thermal sinters such as methyl methacrylate, polystyrene, acrylonitrile copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, fluororesin, phenol resin, etc. Those using polyethylene, high density polyethylene, high molecular weight polyethylene, or polypropylene are preferable.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 71 denotes a holder. The holder 71 holds the wiping blade 70 between the fixing plate 72 and the wiping blade 70. The holder 71 has an opening 7 in a surface 71A that contacts the wiping blade 70.
1B, which is connected to the suction tube 74 via the conduction path 71C, and discharges the cleaning liquid or ink impregnated in the wiping blade 70 in the direction of arrow A by suction means 82 using a pump.

By appropriately reducing the amount of cleaning liquid remaining on the wiping blade 70 after cleaning by suction of the cleaning liquid, the ability to absorb ink, foreign matter, and the like is recovered and maintained. This also enhances the cleaning effect on the ejection surface 22 of the head 2. Further, the tip portion 70A of the wiping blade 70 is connected to the ejection surface 22 of the ejection head 2.
And l, the ejection surface 22 of the head 2 is wiped by the overlap when the head 2 scans (moves to the arrow B).

When the wiping of the head by the wiping blade is completed, the wiping blade is rotated 180 ° counterclockwise in the figure by a driving means (not shown) around the rotating shaft 75 together with the holder 71, and the tip of the wiping blade (wiping portion) 70A is immersed in the cleaning liquid 81 in the cleaning tank 80 (70E). At this time, since the absorption tube 74 is flexible, it does not hinder the movement following the rotation of the blade. Then, the wiping blade tip portion 70A
The ink and the contaminants on the surface of the head that are attached when the head is wiped are dissolved in the cleaning liquid 81, and the blade is cleaned.

The cleaning liquid 8 which is not contaminated is stored in the tank 82.
Contains three. The opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 79 causes the cleaning liquid 83 to move in the direction of arrow C via the cleaning liquid supply tube 76 and flow from the tube discharge port 76a to the cleaning tank 80.

A discharge port 80a is provided substantially at the center of the cleaning tank, and when the supplied cleaning liquid reaches the level of the discharge port 80a, the cleaning liquid is discharged from the discharge port 80a to the outside of the machine via the drain tube 84. Has become.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence in this embodiment. First, before the printing operation starts (during standby), the head is moved to the capping unit 1.
220 capped. Further, the blade tip is immersed in the cleaning liquid (position 70 in FIG. 4).
E), the thickened ink, foreign matter, and the like attached to the wiping blade 70 are dispersed in the cleaning liquid, and the blade is in a cleaned state. When a print signal is input, ink pressurization circulation is started (step S1).

In this step, clogging of the head and removal of air bubbles are performed, and the printable state is restored.

Next, capping means (head cap)
Is released (step S2).

In parallel, the blade rotates upward (step S3) and moves to a temporary stop position 70D as shown in FIG. 4 (step S3 ').

The rotating operation of the blade is performed by a stepping motor (not shown) directly connected to the rotating shaft 75, and the wiping position, the temporary stop position, and the cleaning position are controlled by the number of pulses.

The cleaning liquid in the wiping blade is subjected to centrifugal force with the rotation of the blade. However, in order to prevent the cleaning liquid from being dehydrated, the angular velocity of rotation ω, the radius of rotation r (outermost radius), The liquid holding force σ of the wiping blade is set. The liquid retaining force σ is dominated by the average pore diameter of the wiping blade, which is a porous body, and increases as the average pore diameter decreases. That is, the parameters are balanced so that (centrifugal force due to angular velocity ω and radius r) << (liquid holding force σ of wiping blade).

Next, in step S4, the cleaning liquid is sucked, so that the amount of the cleaning liquid remaining on the wiping blade 70 is reduced appropriately, so that the ability to collect ink and foreign matter is improved, and the cleaning effect of the wiping blade 70 is improved. Can be increased. Further, the suction of the cleaning liquid generates a negative pressure due to the capillary phenomenon inside the porous body as the wiping blade 70. By setting the negative pressure higher than the negative pressure applied to the nozzles of the liquid ejecting head, ink is drawn out from the nozzles during cleaning, so that the cleaning liquid is prevented from entering the liquid chamber. In addition, since the ink absorbing ability inside the nozzle is generated, the effect of removing the thickened ink inside the nozzle at the same time can be exhibited.

Subsequently, the carriage 1010 is driven, and
The head moves forward (step S5). Then, the sensor 9
1, the position of the carriage 1010 from which the head should be wiped is detected (step S5 '), the blade rotates upward (step S5 "), and when the carriage 1010 passes through the cleaning means 50, the wiping blade 70 is moved to the discharge surface 2 (step S5").
2 are sequentially wiped to perform cleaning (step S
6). In the present embodiment, wiping refers to wiping and cleaning the cleaning liquid, ink, foreign matter, and the like on the ejection surface.

As shown in FIG. 6, the wiping blade 70
When the wiping blade 70 is flexible, the wiping blade 70 falls in the same direction as the moving direction B of the carriage 1010 when the wiping blade 70 is flexible.
Is wiped off and cleaning is performed. Therefore, even if there is a step between the holder surface 102 and the discharge surface 22, the cleaning effect is not affected. Since the wiping timing is set as described above, the wiping blade 70 does not hit the holder edge 103 or is not rubbed, so that the wiping blade can be prevented from being worn.

Thereafter, the carriage moves backward, and cleaning accompanying the movement is performed (steps S7, S7).
7 ', S7 ", S8).

At this time, since the wiping surface 70B of the wiping blade is wiped in the forward movement, the wiping surface 70C once dirty
Does not wipe the discharge surface 22, so that the cleaning effect is not only adversely affected, but also the cleaning effect is doubled.

Next, the blade rotates downward and moves to the cleaning position of the blade (step S9). Again, the tip of the blade is immersed in the cleaning liquid and shifts to the cleaning state. Next, a certain amount of cleaning liquid is supplied by opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 79 (step S10). The cleaning liquid 81 in the cleaning tank gradually increases in contaminants due to blade cleaning. However, by replenishing the cleaning liquid, the contaminated cleaning liquid is diluted by a fixed amount and discharged from the outlet from the discharge port by a fixed amount. It is kept below and does not increase further.

Next, it is confirmed whether or not to continue the image recording (step S11). When the image recording is continued (No in step S11), the clogging prevention means 1231 is idle-discharged for a predetermined time (step S11). Step S12) The carriage ejects ink drops while traveling in the direction of arrow A,
Image recording is performed on the recording width portion P of the recording medium 6 in a dot matrix pattern (step S13).

Before the carriage returns to the blade wiping position, the blade rotates upward (step S14),
The operation is temporarily stopped (step S14 '), and the cleaning liquid is sucked (step S15). In this way, the cleaning ability of the wiping blade is restored. Then, the carriage 1
010 is reversed and driven in the direction of arrow B to detect the position of the carriage for wiping the head again (step S7 '), rotate the blade upward (step S7 "), and perform head cleaning, as in the above-described operation. (Step S8) At this time, the recording paper 1 is conveyed in the direction of arrow F by the recording width.

On the other hand, when the image recording is completed (Yes in step S11), the ejection surface 22 of the head 2 is capped by the capping means 20 and sealed (step S16).

In this embodiment, a flexible porous body is used as the wiping blade. However, even when a conventional rubber blade is used as the wiping blade, the cleaning means for the wiping blade can be combined with the wiping blade. It goes without saying that the cleaning effect by the conventional wiping can be further enhanced.

If the cleaning of the head by the blade is sufficient only when the carriage moves backward, the carriage position is detected when the head moves forward (step S).
5 '), rotation upward of blade (step S5 "), head cleaning (step S6), rotation downward of blade (step S6'), and stop (step S6")
It is also possible to omit the above operation and perform cleaning only at the time of return movement, thereby increasing the recording speed of the entire apparatus.

Further, when it is not necessary to perform cleaning for each image recording for one scan, for example, the print density is low,
If the discharge surface is slightly contaminated, cleaning may be performed every two scans or more. The cleaning time is shortened and the cleaning liquid is reduced.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which the discharge direction is in the horizontal direction (arrow X). In the figure, the wiping blade 70 is at the wiping position. The position 70E rotated clockwise by 90 ° is a position immersed in the cleaning liquid 81, and the position temporarily stopped for wiping is a position 70D tilted counterclockwise from the wiping position. The wiping timing and the cleaning timing are the same as in the above-described example.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a configuration in which a plurality of heads are divided into blocks and wiped.

Eight heads 2a to 2h are arranged on the head holder 104 at equal intervals. Heads 2a-2h
Is divided into two blocks, the heads 2a to 2d are defined as a block 2A, the heads 2e to 2h are defined as a block 2B, the wiping unit corresponding to the block 2A is defined as 70G, and the wiping unit corresponding to the block 2B is defined as 70H. Wiping means 70G and 70H
Is the same as the width L of the blocks 2A and 2B. One side of the wiping unit 70G is directly connected to the stepping motor 90, and the other side is provided with a pulley 75b, and is suspended by a belt 75a with a pulley 75b provided on the wiping unit 70H separated by an interval L. The rotation phases of the wiping means 70G and 70H are in agreement and move synchronously. The width W ₂ of the blade is greater than the width W ₁ of the head can be wiped also around the head during wiping. Other configurations are the same as those described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 9 to 12 are explanatory diagrams of the wiping operation at the time of the backward movement.

When the carriage 1010 moves back,
The wiping means 70G and 70H temporarily move to the stop position 70D, complete the suction operation of the cleaning liquid, and are in a standby state for wiping (FIG. 9).

The carriage 1010 moves back and the sensor 9
1, the position of the carriage 1010 to be wiped is detected, and the blade moves to the wiping position 70F (FIG. 10).
Further, the carriage 1010 moves backward until the sensor 92 detects the wiping end position. Sensors 91 and 9
2 are arranged at intervals L, and the blocks 2A (or 2
B) Wiping only the length (FIG. 11). Thereafter, the wiping means 70G and 70H are promptly moved to the cleaning position 70E, and the carriage 1010 is moved to the arrow B 'for the next image recording.
Go to

By simultaneously blocking and wiping the head in this manner, the wiping time can be reduced, the blade can be wiped by the head with good timing, and good cleaning can be performed.

In the above embodiment, the suction of the cleaning liquid by the wiping blade is performed once at the stop position. However, the suction operation may be performed while the wiping blade is temporarily moved from the cleaning position to the stop position.

In order to perform image recording at a higher speed and to increase the productivity of printed matter, it is essential to increase the speed of the operation of each section. The same applies to the rotation operation of the blade, and the movement to the stop position can be performed at a high speed by increasing the suction force of the cleaning liquid suction means compared with the centrifugal force applied to the cleaning liquid in the wiping blade with the high-speed rotation. That is, by matching the liquid holding force of the wiping blade and the suction force of the cleaning liquid suction means, dehydration due to centrifugal force during high-speed rotation is suppressed. The magnitude of the suction force is determined by the degree of vacuum and the flow rate per unit time generated by the pump. By increasing these, the suction force to the wiping blade is increased. In addition, since the rotation and the suction are performed simultaneously, the apparatus can be operated efficiently without a waiting time for the operation when the scanning length of the carriage is short and the carriage moves backward in a short time.

The textile printing apparatus is connected to control means for controlling an image recording (printing) operation by the apparatus, for example, a personal computer or the like, so that input and output of image recording information, a head and a conveying means are performed. A textile printing system that integrates drive control and the like of the above is configured. The construction of such a system will be readily understood and attained by those skilled in the art.

Second Embodiment Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a top view of the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line -Y.

At one corner of the purification tank 80, a partition 80e for keeping the level of the cleaning liquid constant is provided.
Excess cleaning liquid is discharged out of the apparatus by the drain tube 84. A second outlet 80c provided with a cock 80b is provided in front of the partition 80e. The bottom of the septic tank 80 has a taper 80d which decreases toward the second outlet 80c.
Are formed, and the side surface 80f is attached to the rotation shaft 75 at an angle θ. The wiping blade 70 rotates in the fixed direction P about the rotation shaft 75, and after wiping the head at the wiping position 70F, rotates in the clockwise direction in the figure and is immersed in the cleaning liquid 81 at the cleaning position 70E.

In the above configuration, the wiping blade 70 immersed in the cleaning liquid 81 scrapes the cleaning liquid 81 with the rotation operation of the wiping blade 70 to generate a flow indicated by an arrow Q in the purification tank 80. As a result, deposits such as dust and ink fixing dye that have settled to the bottom of the purification tank 80 gather near the second discharge port. In order to remove such deposits, the cock 80b is opened and discharged outside the machine.

As described above, by rotating the wiping means in a certain direction to generate a certain flow in the septic tank, impurities at the bottom of the septic tank can be easily removed, and the maintenance of the apparatus becomes easy.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described ink-jet printing method, and various printing methods can be adopted.
Among them, a print head of a type that includes means for generating thermal energy as energy used to perform ink ejection, and which causes a change in the state of ink by the thermal energy, that is, a bubble jet type print head proposed by Canon Inc. The use of the printing apparatus provides excellent effects. This is because such a method can achieve higher density and higher definition of the print.

The typical configuration and principle are described in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 796. This method is a so-called on-demand type,
Although it can be applied to any type of continuous type, in particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it can be applied to a sheet holding liquid (ink) or an electrothermal converter arranged corresponding to the liquid path. Applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the printing information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling, causing the electrothermal transducer to generate thermal energy, causing film boiling on the heat-acting surface of the printhead. This is effective because bubbles can be formed in the liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal on a one-to-one basis. The liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble to form at least one droplet. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the air bubbles are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of the liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable. As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. If the conditions described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the rate of temperature rise of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent printing can be performed.

As the configuration of the print head, in addition to the combination of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (linear liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications, A configuration using U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,600, which discloses a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region, is also included in the present invention. In addition, for multiple electrothermal transducers,
JP-A-59-123670 which discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal transducer, and JP-A-59-123670 which discloses a configuration in which an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of heat energy corresponds to a discharge portion. The effect of the present invention is effective even in a configuration based on JP-A-138461. That is, according to the present invention, printing can be performed reliably and efficiently regardless of the form of the print head.

In addition, it goes without saying that the print head can be configured in accordance with the form of the printing apparatus, and in the case of the so-called line printer form, the ejection openings are arranged in a range corresponding to the width of the print medium. What should be done. In addition, as a serial type print head as in the above example, a print head fixed to the apparatus main body, or an ink supply from the apparatus main body or an ink supply from the apparatus main body by being attached to the apparatus main body. The present invention is also effective when a replaceable chip-type printhead that can be used or a cartridge-type printhead in which an ink tank is provided integrally with the printhead itself is used.

It is preferable to add a print head ejection recovery unit, a preliminary auxiliary unit, and the like as the configuration of the printing apparatus of the present invention since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. If you list these specifically,
Pre-heating means for heating using a capping means, a cleaning means, a pressure or suction means, an electrothermal converter or another heating element or a combination thereof for the print head, Pre-discharge means for performing another discharge can be given.

In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid. However, an ink which solidifies at room temperature or lower and which softens or liquefies at room temperature may be used. In general, the ink jet method generally controls the temperature of the ink itself within a range of 30 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range. Sometimes, the ink may be in a liquid state. In addition, in order to positively prevent temperature rise due to thermal energy by using it as energy for changing the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, or to prevent evaporation of the ink, the ink is solidified in a standing state and heated. May be used. In any case, the ink liquefies by the application of the heat energy according to the print signal,
The present invention is also applicable to a case in which an ink having a property of being liquefied for the first time by the application of thermal energy, such as an ink in which a liquid ink is ejected and an ink which starts solidifying when it reaches a print medium, is used. . In such a case, the ink is held in a state in which the ink is held as a liquid or a solid in the concave portion or through hole of the porous sheet as described in JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60-71260. Alternatively, it may be configured to face the electrothermal converter. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, as an embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the one used as an image output terminal of an information processing device such as a computer, the present invention may adopt a copying device combined with a reader or the like.

The present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus for performing printing on various print media. However, when the present invention is applied to a printing apparatus as described above, particularly when performing ink jet printing on a fabric, the ink jet printing is performed. (1) that the ink can be colored to a sufficient concentration;
(2) high ink dyeing rate; (3) quick drying of the ink on the fabric; (4) less occurrence of irregular ink bleeding on the fabric; And high performance such as excellent transportability. In order to satisfy these required performances, in the present invention, the fabric can be subjected to a pretreatment beforehand, if necessary. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-53492 discloses cloths having an ink receiving layer, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-46589 proposes a cloth containing a reduction inhibitor or an alkaline substance. I have. As an example of such a pretreatment, there can be mentioned a treatment in which a cloth contains a substance selected from an alkaline substance, a water-soluble polymer, a synthetic polymer, a water-soluble metal salt, urea and thiourea.

Examples of the alkaline substance include an alkali metal hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide;
Examples thereof include amines such as mono-, di-, and triethanolamine, and alkali metal carbonates or bicarbonates such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate. Further, there are organic acid metal salts such as calcium acetate and barium sulfate, and ammonia and ammonia compounds. Further, sodium trichloroacetate which becomes an alkaline substance under steaming and dry heat may be used. Particularly preferred alkaline substances include sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate used for dyeing reactive dyes.

Examples of the water-soluble polymer include starch substances such as corn and wheat; cellulosic substances such as carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose; sodium alginate;
Locust bean gum, tragacanth gum, guar gum,
Examples include polysaccharides such as tamarind seeds, protein substances such as gelatin and casein, and natural water-soluble polymers such as tannin substances and lignin substances.

Examples of the synthetic polymer include a polyvinyl alcohol-based compound, a polyethylene oxide-based compound, an acrylic acid-based water-soluble polymer, and a maleic anhydride-based water-soluble polymer. Among them, polysaccharide polymers and cellulose polymers are preferable.

Examples of the water-soluble metal salt include compounds which form typical ionic crystals and have a pH of 4 to 10, such as alkali metal and alkaline earth metal halides. Representative examples of such compounds include, for example, NaCl, Na ₂ S
O ₄ , KCl and CH ₃ COONa, and the like, and examples of the alkaline earth metal include CaCl ₂ and Mg
Cl _{2 and the} like. Among them, salts of Na, K and Ca are preferred.

The method for incorporating the above substances into the fabric in the pretreatment is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a commonly used immersion method, pad method, coating method, spray method and the like.

Further, since the printing ink applied to the fabric for ink-jet printing simply adheres when applied to the fabric, it is necessary to carry out a fixing step of the dye or the like in the ink onto the fiber. Is preferred. Such a fixing step may be performed by a conventionally known method, for example, a steaming method, an HT steaming method, a thermofix method,
When a fabric which has been previously alkali-treated is not used, an alkali pad steam method, an alkali blotch steam method, an alkali shock method, an alkali cold fix method and the like can be mentioned. The fixing step may or may not include a reaction process depending on the dye. As an example of the latter, there is a method in which fibers are impregnated and do not physically separate. Further, as the ink, any suitable ink can be used as long as it has a required pigment, and the ink is not limited to a dye and may include a pigment.

Further, the removal of unreacted dye and the substances used in the pretreatment can be carried out by washing after the above-mentioned reaction fixing step according to a conventionally known method. In addition, it is preferable to use a conventional fixing process in combination with this cleaning.

The printed material which has been subjected to the post-processing steps described above is then cut into a desired size, and the cut pieces are subjected to a process for obtaining a final processed product such as sewing, bonding, welding and the like. Is applied to obtain clothes such as one-piece dresses, dresses, ties, and swimwear, duvet covers, sofa covers, handkerchiefs, curtains, and the like. The method of processing cloth by sewing or the like to produce clothing or other daily necessities is described in, for example, known books such as "Latest Knit Sewing Manual" (published by Sensei Journal) and monthly magazine "Souen" (published by Bunka Publishing Bureau). Many have been described.

Examples of the printing medium include fabrics, wall cloths, threads used for embroidery, wallpaper, paper, OHP films, plate-like materials such as alumite, and other various materials to which a predetermined liquid can be applied using ink jet technology. The cloth includes all woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics and other fabrics regardless of the material, weave or knitting.

[0115]

As described above, the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention and the printing system using the apparatus as the printing means have the following effects by being configured as described above.

According to the first and second aspects, since the wiping is performed by providing a means for detecting the wiping timing and a standby position for the wiping, the head is reliably cleaned without damaging the wiping blade. can do.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above-described effects, the timing for simultaneously blocking and wiping a plurality of heads is set, so that the wiping operation time for a plurality of heads can be efficiently increased without redundancy. Can be wiped.

According to the fourth to tenth aspects of the present invention, in addition to the above effects, the cleaning of the wiping blade is immersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank, so that even the long blade can be partially cleaned. Stable cleaning without unevenness can be performed.

Further, by employing a configuration in which a predetermined amount of the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning tank, the amount of the cleaning liquid to be used can be significantly reduced as compared with a method in which the cleaning liquid is directly supplied to the blade for cleaning.

Further, the cleaning liquid is periodically replenished, and the excess cleaning water is automatically discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the apparatus. Simply kept constant.

According to the tenth to seventeenth aspects, when the wiping movement is a rotation operation in addition to the above effects, when the wiping blade moves from the cleaning position to the standby position, By simultaneously performing the suction, the wiping blade can be rotated and moved at a high speed, and as a result, the device can be operated at a high speed and the productivity can be increased.

According to the eighteenth aspect,
Inkjet recording method is applied, high-definition print output, high-speed printing can be achieved, noise is reduced, and precise color printing is facilitated by using multi-color ink. It is also possible to reduce the size of the main body.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus which is one embodiment of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining a schematic configuration of a printing unit of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the printing unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing an example of a blade cleaning unit applied to the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence applied to the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a wiping blade and a head applied to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing an example of a blade cleaning unit when the ink ejection direction applied to the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention is arranged in a horizontal direction.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a wiping unit for wiping the head by blocking the head;

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining the operation of the wiping unit shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the wiping unit shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining the operation of the wiping unit shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the wiping unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

14 is a sectional view taken along line YY in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2A, 2B Block of head 70 Wiping blade 70D Temporary stop position 70E Cleaning position 70F Wiping position 80 Cleaning tank 91, 92 Sensor

Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-6-328705 (JP, A) JP-A-6-64180 (JP, A) JP-A-2-72961 (JP, A) JP-A-2-155654 (JP) JP-A-2-11332 (JP, A) JP-A 63-56633 (JP, U) JP-A-6-5957 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB Name) B41J 2/01 B41J 2/165 D06P 5/00 111

Claims (18)

(57) [Claims] 1. A liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a predetermined liquid onto a recording medium by using a liquid ejecting head, comprising: a wiping unit having a wiping member for wiping a liquid ejecting surface of the liquid ejecting head; A detecting unit that detects whether the head and the wiping unit are in a predetermined positional relationship; a cleaning unit having a cleaning tank storing a cleaning liquid for cleaning at least a wiping member of the wiping unit; and the wiping unit. A moving unit configured to move the wiping unit to a first position for wiping the liquid ejecting head by the wiping member; and a second position in which the wiping member is cleaned by the cleaning liquid. A position and a third position for temporarily stopping the wiping unit are set, and when the detecting unit detects that the liquid ejecting head is in a predetermined positional relationship with the wiping unit. Liquid-jet apparatus characterized by moving the serial wiping means from the third position to the first position. 2. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third position at which the moving unit temporarily stops the wiping unit is closer to the liquid ejecting head than the second position. Liquid ejection device. 3. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein two or more liquid ejecting heads are provided, and two or more wiping blocks formed of adjacent liquid ejecting heads are set. A liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein the wiping means is provided for each of the wiping blocks. 4. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning liquid replenishing means for replenishing the cleaning tank with the cleaning liquid. apparatus. 5. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning tank exceeds a predetermined amount when the cleaning liquid exceeds a predetermined amount. A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising a cleaning liquid discharging means for discharging a cleaning liquid out of the liquid ejecting apparatus. 6. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wiping unit is made of a flexible member. 7. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plastic member is a polymer porous body of a type whose volume does not change even when absorbing the liquid, preferably a foamed formal resin. Liquid ejecting device. 8. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plastic member is a heat-sinterable polymer porous body, preferably low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene,
Liquid injection characterized by being a heat-sintered body made of high molecular weight polyethylene, composite polyethylene, polypropylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, acrylonitrile copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, fluororesin, or phenol resin apparatus. 9. A liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning means has a liquid suction means for sucking liquid from said wiping means. apparatus. 10. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the suction force of the liquid suction means is such that when the wiping unit wipes the liquid ejection surface, the liquid ejecting port of the liquid ejection head passes through the wiping means. A liquid ejecting apparatus having a size capable of discharging liquid from the liquid ejecting apparatus. 11. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the wiping unit is pivotally supported, and the moving unit is configured to move the pivotally supported wiping unit by rotating the wiping unit. The suction means performs a liquid suction operation at the same time that the wiping means is moved from the second position to the third position by the moving means, and the suction force of the liquid suction means is a rotation of the wiping means. A liquid ejecting apparatus characterized in that the wiping member receives a substantially greater centrifugal force during operation. 12. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting head is capable of reciprocating with respect to a medium onto which the liquid is ejected, and wherein the wiping unit is configured to move the liquid ejecting head. A first wiping surface for wiping the liquid ejecting surface of the liquid ejecting head when the liquid ejecting head moves forward, and a second wiping surface for wiping the liquid ejecting surface of the liquid ejecting head when the liquid ejecting head moves backward. A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: 13. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting head is a head compatible with color printing. 14. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting head is an ink jet recording head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting the liquid. Injection device. 15. The ink jet recording head according to claim 14, further comprising: a heat energy converter for generating heat energy applied to the liquid, as the energy generating means for performing the ejection. A liquid ejecting apparatus characterized in that: 16. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the recording head causes a state change in the liquid by the thermal energy applied by the thermal energy converter, and the recording head outputs the liquid based on the state change. A liquid ejecting apparatus for discharging the liquid. 17. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is a cloth. 18. A printing system comprising the liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1 as printing means, and a control means for controlling said printing means.